Olympic champion Mary Kom recently shared some valuable advice for young Indian boxers. As they gear up for big competitions like the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, she urged them to stay focused and avoid overconfidence. “Always aim to bring home gold for our country,” Mary said, emphasizing that it’s better to work hard in silence and let victories speak for themselves.
Mary was speaking at the Fit India Sundays On Cycle event, promoted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. This initiative has become popular, with over 2.8 million participants across the country. Recently, more than 700 people joined the cycling activity at the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Swimming Complex in Delhi.
Reflecting on her journey, Mary Kom made history as one of India’s top athletes. She won a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics, following her gold medals at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. Looking back, she noted how much women’s boxing has improved, thanks to initiatives like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme and Khelo India, which support athletes with training and resources.
“When I started, we didn’t have much support,” Mary recalled. “Now, today’s athletes benefit from better facilities and programs.” She highlighted the ongoing Khelo India Tribal Games in Chhattisgarh, which help uncover talent from remote areas. “Many talented athletes come from tribal backgrounds and may not know about available opportunities,” she added.
Mary expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya for promoting sports for rural and tribal communities. Her belief is that natural strength and determination, combined with proper support, can lead to international success for India.
Meanwhile, another celebration of fitness took place in Hyderabad, where badminton coach Pullela Gopichand joined the cycling event. He spoke about making sports a part of everyday life, saying it builds strength and discipline. His message resonated with many as participants enjoyed cycling, Zumba, and other community activities.
The Fit India Sundays on Cycle movement aims to weave fitness into daily routines across India. It’s a collaborative effort involving various sports organizations, promoting active living in every state and territory.
For more information about India’s sports initiatives, you can visit the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
